Montgomery, State Explore Idea Of Passenger Trains

Montgomery, AL – Montgomery city officials are working with state officials on a study to determine whether it's feasible to create a passenger railroad line that would allow residents to travel on trains between Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile.

In 2009, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs received a $200,000 matching grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to fund the study.

Robert Smith, Montgomery's director of planning, said the first part of the study will look at a Birmingham-to-Montgomery connection, and will cost $200,000.

Smith said the second phase of the study would determine the feasibility of connecting Montgomery to Mobile, Smith said. The project will cost $200,000 and will depend on Mobile's willingness to contribute.